Old Forester's New Limited-Edition Whiskey Has a Surprising Mashbill
Part of the distiller's Whiskey Row series, the bottle recalls the Prohibition era.
Founded in 1870, Old Forester is the longest-selling bourbon on the market. After making it through Prohibition by receiving one of six government permits that allowed it to bottle existing whiskey stocks as medicine, Old Forester acquired barrels from a variety of closed distillers to bottle and sell as its own in 1924. To celebrate the 100-year anniversary of that event, Old Forrester unveiled the Whiskey Row Series 1924.
Launched in 2015, the Whiskey Row series celebrates historic Old Forester moments. Other bottles include the 1870 Original Batch, which celebrates the distillery’s opening; 1897 Bottled in Bond, which commemorates the passing of the Bottled-in-Bond Act; 1910 Old Fine Whisky, which recalls a fire on the bottling line; and the self-explanatory 1920 Prohibition Style.
Courtesy of Old Forester
Old Forester Whiskey Row Series 1924 is made from a unique recipe that echoes the various whiskey mashbills from the barrels it acquired in 1924.
Rather than the usual 72 percent corn, 18 percent rye, and 10 percent malted barley base, the 1924 is crafted from 79 percent corn, 11 percent rye, and 10 percent malted barley, which gives the whiskey a slightly sweeter and less spicy taste. Additionally, the 1924 is a 10-year-old, age-stated 100-proof bourbon, making it a good amount older and higher-proof than the usual bottle.
Colored like a dark graham cracker, the bourbon offers aromas of fudge, cocoa, marzipan, and cured tobacco layered over hints of rich oak and warm cinnamon. The palate delivers chocolate-covered graham cracker and cinnamon, while the finish features hints of spice and more graham cracker.
Master Taster Melissa Rift says the new bottle "allows whisky lovers to taste just how dynamic our brand can be while staying rooted in our rich history."
Bottled at 50 percent ABV, Old Forester 1924 is available nationwide at participating retailers for $115.